'multi-' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'multus,' where 'mult-' meant 'many'; 'nerved' is formed from 'nerve,' which ultimately comes from Latin 'nervus' meaning 'sinew, tendon, nerve'.

'nerve' entered English via Old French 'nerf' from Latin 'nervus'; the combining form 'multi-' (from Latin) was later attached in Modern English to form the compound adjective 'multi-nerved' (also seen as 'multinerved').

The elements originally meant 'many' and 'sinew/nerve'; over time the compound has been used especially in botanical contexts to mean 'having many veins (in a leaf)'.